Aerosol actuators and improved aerosol assemblies

ABSTRACT

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a valve guide or raised boss may be connected to or integral with a base or body of an aerosol actuator. In various embodiments, a valve guide may include a raised boss associated with a grip or body of an aerosol actuator. The valve guide or raised boss may align a manifold with a valve when an aerosol actuator is assembled to a container containing a product. In addition, a valve guide or raised boss may limit the movement of a portion of a manifold in a defined direction or defined plane such that the load on a valve by a manifold is controlled. For example, a valve guide may ensure a top load on a valve during actuation or may minimize side loads on a valve during actuation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/492,075, entitled “AEROSOL ACTUATORS AND IMPROVED AEROSOL ASSEMBLIES,” filed Jun. 1, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/494,923, entitled “AEROSOL ACTUATORS AND VALVE SYSTEMS,” filed Jun. 9, 2011, and incorporates each of the same herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to aerosol dispensing devices and more particularly to aerosol actuators and assemblies.

2. State of the Art

Spray devices are well known and are used to deliver a variety of products. For example, finger pumps and trigger sprayers may be used to deliver a fluid from a container onto a surface or into a volume of space. Similarly, aerosol sprayers are used to spray an aerosolized product onto a surface or into a volume of space. Many different types of spray devices are known.

Aerosol spray devices typically include a pushbutton type spray device containing an orifice and a connection to a valve which is in turn connected to a container of product from which the aerosol product is dispensed. Actuation of the pushbutton releases a quantity of product from the aerosol container through the valve and the pushbutton. More recently, aerosol spray devices have been modified to look more like trigger sprayers and such devices may include a trigger attached to, or in communication with, a manifold which is connected to the valve of an aerosol container. However, connection of a manifold of a trigger actuated aerosol spry device to an aerosol valve can be difficult and leakage during assembly or actuation may occur.

During operation of a trigger actuated aerosol sprayer, actuation of the trigger may release product from the aerosol container through the valve, into the manifold, and out an orifice of the trigger spray device. It has been found that in at least some trigger actuated aerosol sprayers, actuation of a trigger may induce a side load on a valve attached to the aerosol container. The side loading of the valve may result in leaks at the valve position because most, if not all, standard aerosol valves are designed for a top load rather than a side load.

In many instances, the costs of trigger actuated aerosol sprayers are higher than those of pushbutton-type valves due to the increased piece parts and complexity of such devices. In addition, use of pushbutton-type aerosol systems may lead to finger fatigue which may be undesirable.

While the aerosol pushbutton actuators and trigger actuators are usable, new, alternative, or improved methods for delivering or actuating a spray from aerosol containers or other containers are desirable. In addition, a reduction in leakage and in costs is also desirable, especially in the case of trigger actuated aerosol sprayers and spray devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a valve guide or raised boss may be connected to or integral with a base or body of an aerosol actuator. In various embodiments, a valve guide may include a raised boss associated with a grip or body of an aerosol actuator. The valve guide or raised boss may align a manifold with a valve when an aerosol actuator is assembled to a container containing a product. In addition, a valve guide or raised boss may limit the movement of a portion of a manifold in a defined direction or defined plane such that the load on a valve by a manifold is controlled. For example, a valve guide may ensure a top load on a valve during actuation or may minimize side loads on a valve during actuation.

According to other various embodiments of the invention, a grip or body of an aerosol actuator may include an opening into or through which a portion of a manifold may extend. The opening may be configured to allow the manifold to flex, float, or move during actuation such that a discharge end of the manifold is not fixed to the body of the aerosol actuator. In some instances, an opening in the end of a grip or body may allow a portion of a manifold to float in a manner which facilitates a vertical motion of the manifold which may, in turn, decrease side loads to a valve attached to the aerosol actuator.

According to other certain embodiments of the invention, a manifold and a trigger may include bearing ribs which may contact each other or engage upon actuation of a trigger such that actuation of the trigger moves a manifold resulting in the opening of a valve connected to or in communication with the manifold.

In still other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include a male manifold rather than a female manifold and the valve may include a female valve rather than a male valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a manifold according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol actuator body according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a trigger of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol actuator according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol actuator having a male manifold mating with a female valve system according to various embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the male manifold mating with a female valve system illustrated in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aerosol actuators 100 according to various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. An assembled aerosol actuator 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may include a body 110, a cap 120, a trigger 130, and a manifold 140. According to some embodiments of the invention, an orifice cup 142 may be assembled or inserted into the manifold 140. The aerosol actuator 100 may be assembled to a container or bottle containing an aerosolized product or a product and a gas, such as nitrogen or at least one hydrocarbon, to deliver the product in a aerosolized fashion. The container or bottle may also include a valve and a valve stem to which a portion of a manifold 140 may attach to mate with and promote fluid flow from the container or bottle, through the valve and into the manifold 140 of the aerosol actuator 100.

An aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may also include an opening 117 in the body 110. The opening 117 may be configured to house or surround at least a portion of a discharge end of a manifold 140 or orifice cup 142 inserted in the manifold 140. In some embodiments of the invention, a cap 120 may also include a cap opening corresponding to the opening 117 in the body 110 such that the cap opening and opening 117 form a discharge manifold opening in the aerosol actuator 100. The discharge end of the manifold 140 may move or float within the opening 117 in the body 110 or a discharge manifold opening formed by the opening 117 and a cap opening. For example, upon actuation of the trigger 130 illustrated in FIG. 1, the manifold 140 may be actuated and moved which may in turn cause an end portion of the manifold 140 to move within the area defined by the opening 117.

A cross-sectional view of the aerosol actuator 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and the individual components are illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5. The individual components of an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention may be made of a plastic or resin material as desired. Other moldable materials may also be used to make components for an aerosol actuator 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a manifold 140 according to embodiments of the invention may include an input end 145, a discharge end 147, and one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 positioned along the manifold 140 between the input end 145 and the discharge end 147.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a body 110 may include a body 110 as used in conventional trigger actuated aerosol dispersion devices. In addition, a body 110 according to embodiments of the invention may include a raised boss 119 or manifold guide. The body 110 may also differ from conventional aerosol actuator bodies in that an opening 117 may be included in the body 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a trigger 130 may include one or more trigger bearing ribs 134. When assembled with a manifold 140 and body 110, the one or more trigger bearing ribs 134 may bear on or contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 of the manifold 144.

In an assembled aerosol actuator 100, an input end 145 of a manifold 140 may sit in or be assembled or fitted into a raised boss 119 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The raised boss 119 may hold or guide the manifold 140 during assembly of an aerosol actuator 100 with a container and valve of an aerosol system. In some embodiments, the vertical positioning of the raised boss 119 may also facilitate a vertical assembly of a manifold 140 with the body 110 such that an input end 145 of the manifold 140 is assembled through the top of the body 110 and into the raised boss 119. During assembly, the discharge end 147 of the manifold 140 may be oriented with the opening 117 in the body 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

A trigger 130 may be assembled with the manifold 140 and body 110 such that the one or more trigger bearing ribs 134 are configured to contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 during actuation of the aerosol actuator 100. For example, upon application of a force to the trigger 130, the trigger bearing ribs 134 may contact the one or more manifold bearing ribs 144 to induce contact between the input end 145 of the manifold 140 and a valve such that the valve releases a product which travels through the manifold 140 and exists the manifold 140 at a discharge end 147. Upon release of the trigger 130, the forces upon the manifold bearing ribs 144 may be released and actuation of the aerosol actuator 100 is ceased. During actuation, the discharge end 147 of the manifold 140 may float or move within a discharge opening formed by the opening 117 in the body 110 and the cap 120.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a manifold 140 may be guided into position by a raised boss 119 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The positioning of a manifold 140 within a portion of the raised boss 119 as illustrated may help guide movement of the manifold 140 during actuation. In addition, the raised boss 119 may ensure that the manifold 140 moves in a downward path relative to a valve to which the manifold 140 engages during actuation. Thus, a raised boss 119 according to embodiments of the invention may limit the ability of the manifold 140 to apply a side load on a valve during actuation. Instead, the manifold 140 may be limited to applying a top load to a valve. In other embodiments, a raised boss 119 may assist in increasing the applied top load to a valve and decreasing side loads thereto. Furthermore, a raised boss 119 may assist with the assembly of the manifold 140 to the aerosol actuator 100.

An aerosol actuator 100 according to other embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated, an aerosol actuator 100 may include a body 110, a cap 120, a trigger 130, and a manifold 140. An orifice cup 142 may be inserted into a manifold 140.

In some embodiments of the invention, a body 110 may include a slot or opening 117 in the body within which a portion of the manifold 140 may float or move. In some embodiments, the opening 117 may also support a portion of the trigger 130. In other embodiments, the opening 117 may facilitate rotation of the trigger 130 about a fulcrum point during actuation of the aerosol actuator 100.

According to various embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator 100 may be attached to a container containing a product and a gas for aerosolizing the product and the manifold 140 may mate with or engage a valve associated with the aerosol container. Upon actuation of a trigger 130, portions of the trigger bearing ribs 134 may act on the manifold bearing ribs 144, applying force to the manifold 140 and opening the valve to release a product through the manifold 140 and out of the aerosol actuator 100. As the trigger bearing ribs 134 act on the manifold bearing ribs 144, the manifold 140 may flex and a discharge end of the manifold 140 may move in the opening 117 in the body 110. Inclusion of an opening 117 in the body 110, may improve the functionality of the manifold 140 by allowing the manifold 140 to flex and move during operation.

According to other embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include a male manifold 240 or actuator as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The male manifold 240 or actuator may mate with a female valve system 204 as illustrated.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, an aerosol actuator may include an assembly with a manifold that has a male receptacle made of rigid plastic material which connects to an aerosol valve with a female stem made of a rigid plastic material. An advantage of a female aerosol valve 204 according to some embodiments of the invention is that it may include a female rubber gasket that a male stem from the actuator may fit into. It is easier to fit a male rigid stem into a rubber seal than to fit a rigid valve stem into a rigid female manifold member. Thus, it may be desirable to use a male manifold 240 and female valve system 204 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol actuator, comprising: a body, comprising: an opening; and a raised boss; a manifold, comprising: an input end positioned in at least a portion of the raised boss; a discharge end positioned in the opening; and at least one manifold bearing rib between the input end and discharge end; and a trigger, comprising at least one trigger bearing rib.
 2. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, wherein the at least one trigger bearing rib contacts the at least one manifold bearing rib during actuation of the trigger.
 3. The aerosol actuator of claim 1, further comprising: a container; a product in the container; a valve connected to the container; and wherein the aerosol actuator is connected to the container and the manifold input end is in communication with the valve.
 4. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein actuation of the trigger creates a top load on the valve by the manifold.
 5. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the input end of the manifold comprises a female end.
 6. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the input end of the manifold comprises a male end.
 7. The aerosol actuator of claim 3, wherein the valve comprises a female valve system.
 8. An aerosol actuator, comprising: a manifold comprising an input end and a discharge end; a body having an opening and a raised boss; and a cap over the body wherein the discharge end of the manifold is positioned within the opening between the body and the cap such that the manifold may move within the opening upon actuation.
 9. The aerosol actuator of claim 8, wherein the input end of the manifold is positioned in an interior of the raised boss.
 10. The aerosol actuator of claim 8, wherein the manifold comprises a manifold having a male input end. 